Not-so-safe streets

Share

Those officials in charge of our security continue to point out that our streets are safe, and that Hong Kong residents are in no danger from terrorist or criminal activities.

However, a short stroll along many of our streets indicates that maybe our security chiefs are being a little complacent.

I see a number of objects left out on our streets that could be used for purposes other than their intended use.

Take, for example, gas bottles used for cooking. A number of fast-food shops keep these on the pavement outside their premises, or in alleys close by. These could easily be picked up by someone passing. Full or empty, they represent a public hazard, yet there appears to be no action taken to remove them from our streets.

Building materials are also stored on the pavements for days on end, where they could be taken by passersby to be used as weapons. Other readers can probably point out items that they see left on the streets that they consider dangerous.

The September 11 incident in New York was a shocking example of how an everyday occurrence, in this case commercial flights, can be used to achieve evil objectives. We should take a close look at our own environment and ensure that, as far as possible, our streets are kept clear of all objects that could be used against us.